Warm the Stomach
Ping Wei San
Kan Traditionals
Dries Dampness, tonifies the Spleen Qi, regulates the Qi, harmonizes the Stomach.
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- Herb: Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome, Magnolia bark, Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit, Chinese licorice root and rhizome, Medicated leaven, Dry fried barley sprout, Red jujube fruit, Ginger rhizome
- Herb (Pinyin): Cang zhu, Hou po, Chen pi, Gan cao, Shen qu, Chao mai ya , Hong zao, Gan jiang
- Pattern: Spleen Yang deficiency, Damp Cold stagnation in the Middle Burner, Damp and Coldness Stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach, Stomach Qi Deficiency
- Actions: Regulate the Qi, Harmonize the Stomach, Dry Dampness, Tonify Spleen Qi, Expel Damp Cold stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach
- Indications: Supports a healthy digestive system, Supports healthy gastrointestinal function, Sensation of heaviness of the limbs or body, Occasional loss of taste
- Contraindications: Contraindicated in pregnancy, Contraindicated with Yin or Blood deficiency
- Tongue: Swollen with a thick, white, greasy coat.
- Pulse: Moderate to slippery.
Warm the Stomach (Ping Wei San) is the foundational formula to address Damp stagnation in the Middle Burner. As the Spleen is responsible for transforming food into Gu Qi, then into Nutritive Qi, when Dampness stagnates in the Spleen and Stomach, this function is impaired. The Spleen can be encumbered by Cold Damp due to over consumption of cold or raw foods, especially in cold climates or seasons, which in turn leads to increased production of Dampness As Dampness persists, it leads to stagnation and fullness, first in the Middle Burner, possibly accompanied with occasional abdominal distension, occasional loss of appetite, or feelings of lethargy; then in the Lower Burner, with loose stools or heaviness in the body or limbs. Eventually the Stomach is unable to transport downward, leading to rebellious Stomach Qi.
This formula can be used for any pattern in which Damp has accumulated in the Middle Burner, but more specifically when presenting as Cold. It contains a balance of herbs that dry Damp, move accumulation stagnating in the Spleen and Stomach, and tonify Spleen Qi.
Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome, the chief herb in this formula, transforms Dampness accumulation and strengthens the transformative function of the Spleen. Magnolia bark and Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit combine to regulate the Qi of the Middle Burner. Magnolia bark is especially effective at redirecting rebellious Qi downward and dispersing fullness. Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit regulates and strengthens the Qi of the Middle Burner and harmonizes the Stomach.
Red jujube fruit, Chinese licorice root and rhizome and Ginger rhizome strengthen, support and harmonize the functions of the Spleen and Stomach. Red jujube fruit also mitigates the strong effects of the other herbs while tonifying the Blood and the Middle Burner. Chinese licorice root and rhizome strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. Ginger rhizome warms the Spleen Yang and harmonizes the Middle Burner.
Medicated leaven and dry fried Barley sprout have been added to the traditional formulation to help reduce distention and discomfort throughout the abdomen. Both of these herbs are effective at regulating food stagnation and harmonizing the Middle Burner.
Warm the Stomach is warming and drying and should be augmented with other formulas such as Wei Te Ling if there is Heat present. If there is Liver Qi stagnation, combine with Liver Flow, Peaceful Earth, Release Restraint or Digestive Harmony Formula.
Origins and Development
This formula was first mentioned in the Collected Treatises of Zhang Jing-Yue: “Calming the Stomach to put in order that which is imbalanced.”